Category: Khiva

Islam Khodja Madrasah and Minaret were built by Islam Khodja himself in 1908-1910 at the south-east part of Ichan-kala. This complex includes the smallest madrasah and the highest minaret of Khiva. The height of Islam Khodja minaret is 57 meters including the base. The platform of the minaret is at a height of 45 meters

Kutlug Murad-inak Madrasah is situated in front of the madrasah Allakulikhan. Kutlug Murad-inak was an uncle of Allakulikhan and buried inside of this madrasah. He died outside of the city and the wall of Ichan-kala was specifically broken for his burial. Kutlug Murad-inak madrasah was the first two-story madrasah in Khiva in its time. This

Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah is situated opposite to Kunya-Ark, near the gates Ata-darvaza and it is one of the biggest medieval madrasahs of Khiva. Madrasah was functioning as a religious school. Two-roomed hudjras were built in the madrasah, facing the outside facade of the second floor. Madrasah could accept up to 260 pupils and had 125

Muhammad Rakhimkhan Madrasah is located in front of the gates of Kunya-Ark and it’s one of the biggest madrasahs of Khiva. The madrasah was built in 1876 due to the order of Sayid Muhammad Rakhim II, who is more famous as a poet Feruzshakh. During the reign of Muhammad Rahimkhan II, in 1873 Russian army

Tash-Khauli Palace (“stony yard”) firstly called the Palace of Allakulikhan and was rebuilt at the gates of Palvan-darvaza. Tash-Khauli Palace reminds the castle with high walls, topped with towers and fortified with gates. In its architecture the traditions of Khorezm houses and outside houses (“khauli”) with its closed yards, shady columned ayvans and lodge are

Kunya-Ark Citadel (“old fortress”) is internal citadel of Ichan-kala. It was built in the 17th century by Mukhammad Erenk Khan. Kunya-ark was separated from Ichan-kala by high wall at the end of 18th century. There were Khan’s mosque, residence, Supreme Court, Khan’s reception (Kurinish-xona), powder mill, arsenal, monetary, chancellery, harem, kitchens, stables, guardhouses and other

Djuma Mosque is situated in the very center of Ichan-kala. The mosque was built by khan’s dignitary Abdurakhman Mikhtar. Modern building of Djuma Mosque was built in the 18th century. The special atmosphere for praying in the mosque makes poor lighting through three overhead hatches and rows of carved wooden columns, the number of which

Pakhlavan Makhmud complex is located besides the grave of saint patron of Khiva, poet and philosopher, professional wrestler and master furrier - Pakhlavan Makhmud (1247-1326). He was honored not only in Khiva, but also in Iran and India as the protector of fighters and poets, healer of disease. Pakhlavan Makhmud was buried in his workshop.

Kalta Minor is located in the main faсade of Muhammad Aminkhan madrasah. It is not a high minaret (the word “kalta” means small). Actually, it should have been one of the greatest minarets of Central Asia with the height up to 70 meters. The construction of Muhammad Aminkhan’s minaret and madrasah should have completed the

Palvan-darvaza is not only Eastern gate of Ichan-kala, but also a big trading construction. In 17th-18th centuries there were old gates at the same place where Khan’s prison was situated. The gates were rebuilt during Iltuzarkhan’s and later Allakulikhan’s ruling. Arched gates with battlements and side towers are located on the crossing point with the